Bringing "Aspire #4" to Life: My Journey with the Chicago Sculpture Exhibit and ComEd
In the summer of 2018, I had the privilege of seeing one of my most significant sculptures, "Aspire #4," installed in front of the ComEd Training Center as part of the 17th Annual Chicago Sculpture Exhibit (CSE). This piece, standing tall at 16 feet, was a product of my "Aspire" series and has since become part of Chicago’s urban fabric. It was featured on the Otocast tour of the exhibition, allowing people to engage more deeply with the artwork by hearing its story through their phones. For me, this was a deeply satisfying moment—seeing my work not only placed in a public space but also becoming part of the city’s narrative through the voices of its people.
The Inspiration Behind "Aspire #4"
"Aspire #4" was forged from steel and bronze, with accents of paint that highlight its upward-reaching form. I crafted it to evoke feelings of ambition, progress, and energy. The series was born out of my fascination with how we, as humans, constantly strive to push beyond our limits. Each piece in the series, and especially this one, speaks to that inherent desire to aspire for more—to rise above and reach new heights.
When I was approached by the Chicago Sculpture Exhibit to participate in their 2018 showcase, I immediately knew "Aspire #4" was the right piece for the occasion. The exhibit gives artists like me a chance to contribute to the city’s landscape, and the location at 3536 S. Iron St., outside the ComEd Training Center, felt like the perfect home for this work. ComEd, with its focus on powering the city and fostering growth through education and training, mirrored the very themes of ambition and energy that "Aspire #4" embodies.
The Installation Process
Installing a sculpture of this scale is always an intricate process. "Aspire #4" is crafted from forged steel and bronze and stands at 16 feet tall and measures 5.5 feet wide, and every aspect of the installation had to be carefully planned to ensure the sculpture would remain stable and stand proud.
The sculpture was transported from my studio by myself and Susan, my wife and lifted by crane into its new home. As it was lowered into place, I was struck by how perfectly it fit into its surroundings. The combination of industrial materials with fluid, organic lines felt right at home in a space dedicated to innovation and progress.
A Symbol of Energy and Growth
I couldn’t have imagined a better setting for "Aspire #4" than the ComEd Training Center. The center is more than just a facility—it’s a hub of learning and advancement, where the workers who keep Chicago’s energy flowing come to train and expand their knowledge. In many ways, "Aspire #4" symbolizes their journey—the ambition to reach new levels of expertise, the energy they bring to their work, and the role they play in powering the city’s future.
The sculpture’s form, with its upward-reaching lines, reflects the energy that drives all of us to grow, learn, and push forward. Sponsored by ComEd, the piece is not just art—it’s a representation of the shared values between the company, the city, and the people who interact with it every day.
The Impact of Public Art
One of the most rewarding aspects of participating in the Chicago Sculpture Exhibit is seeing how public art can transform spaces. The exhibition, now in its 17th year, brings large-scale outdoor sculptures to neighborhoods across Chicago, making art accessible to everyone. Through platforms like Otocast, which features "Aspire #4" as part of its audio tour, the public can listen to stories about the artwork, bringing an added layer of connection and understanding.
For me, art should exist where people live, work, and move. It should inspire and provoke thought in the spaces we inhabit every day. "Aspire #4" does that by standing as a constant reminder of our potential to achieve more, to strive, and to aspire.
Looking Forward
As I reflect on the journey of bringing "Aspire #4" to life, I feel a profound sense of gratitude. Seeing this sculpture installed in such a meaningful space, where it connects with the people who power our city, is deeply fulfilling. I hope that everyone who encounters "Aspire #4"—whether they work at the ComEd Training Center or pass by on their way to somewhere else—feels a moment of inspiration. After all, aspiration is a universal experience, and I’m honored to have captured that feeling in a form that can be shared with the public.
